NSW Ambulance acting duty operations manager Jason Speight told Fairfax Media that both victims were conscious when emergency services arrived on the scene, and that the female victim had suffered more serious injuries.

The incident will be investigated by NSW Police Force and the ATSB.

“Investigators will examine the wreckage, gather any available recorded data and interview any witnesses, amongst other activities,” an ATSB statement said.

Ms Fitzsimons was a former president of the NSW/ACT Australian Women Pilots' Association and is a current board member of the Bathurst Aero Club.

WardAir has been operational for around 17 years, and Ms Fitzsimons purchased the company three years ago when she moved to Bathurst.